The Group of the Haitian Women Parliamentarians, participated in a workshop in early July on the political leadership of the Women of the Americas in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. An opportunity for Haitian women elected to share their experiences and their willingness to be more involved in decision making at the highest level of government.

The 49th Legislature of the Haitian Parliament, has only five women deputies, Marie Jossie Etienne, Ogline Pierre, Guerda Benjamin Bellevue, Marie Denise Bernadeau and Ruffine Labbé et une Sénatrice, Edmonde Supplice Beauzile.

During this workshop, the Deputy Ruffine Labbé recalled that the right to vote and the eligibility were obtained for all in 1950 and noted the challenges faced by the women involved in politics. For her, one of the major obstacles are the "structural discrimination associated with the patriarchal society" and "the limitation of access to formal education and to the formation."

Marie Denise Bernadeau talked about the experience of Haitian women in the elections of 2010-2011, highlighting the contrast between the demographic weight of women (52%) in the Haitian population and their lack of representation in decision-making spheres. In November 2010, 53 women were candidates in parliamentary elections, including 45 for deputies and eight in the Senate. For her, "the participation of Haitian women in national life, especially in politics, is essential to strengthen the democracy and the rule of law."

Supported by figures, the Deputy Jossie Etienne has informed of the under-representation of women in the Parliament where there are 5 women deputies on 99 deputies (or 5.05%) and one woman Senator on 30 senators (or 3.33%). She recalled that the debate on the adoption of a minimum quota of 30% was launched during the 48th Legislature, and it is in May 2011 that the 49th Legislature, established in April, has approved the proposed amendment of the Article 17-1 of the 1987 Constitution to include the minimum quota which she hopes the application from the 50th Legislature. The adoption of this minimum quota will contribute to the development of Haiti with the increasing participation of women in Parliament, enabling them to support the issues concerning their rights.

"Women in legislative power in Haiti" was the subject of a presentation by the Deputy Ogline Pierre which estimated that the presence women at the level of the executive, legislative and judicial branches/power is remarkable. As part of the legislative power, they have played an important role during the 48th legislature, in the vote of certain bills such as those related to domesticity, responsible parenthood, or the minimum wage.

HL/ HaitiLibre